Canada's new energy competitiveness and development strategy demands bold solutions—and ABB is preparing the next generation of engineers to lead it. ABB Canada has donated nearly $150,000 CAD in advanced equipment to transform the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary's Power Control Lab into the ABB Undergraduate Power Engineering Lab—a state-of-the-art hub where future engineers gain hands-on experience with industry-leading technology.
Advancing engineering education in Canada
ABB's contribution goes beyond equipment—it is about building capabilities. The updated lab gives students direct access to the same ABB technology used across energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. This bridges the gap between classroom theory and industry practice, enabling research in powering emerging applications, systems optimization, renewable energy integration, industrial automation, grid stability, advanced controls, and electrification.
As part of the donation, ABB equipped the lab with motors and drives that let students engage firsthand with the technologies driving today’s industries. Working directly with both current and next‑generation solutions help learners understand how modern motor‑control systems operate and how they drive greater efficiency and performance in real‑world applications. Because these technologies are widely deployed across key Canadian sectors—from manufacturing facilities to essential infrastructure—students gain valuable exposure that equips them to support the continued growth and evolution of these industries as future engineers.
Inside the ABB Undergraduate Power Engineering Lab—where future engineers get hands-on with cutting‑edge technology. Photo: Dina Gizatulina 
ABB equipped the lab with motors and drives that let students engage firsthand with the technologies driving today’s industries. Photo: Dina Gizatulina 
Working directly with both current and next‑generation solutions help learners understand how modern motor‑control systems operate and how they drive greater efficiency and performance in real‑world applications. Photo: Dina Gizatulina 
This partnership underscores ABB’s commitment to applied learning across Canada—equipping future engineers with the technology and hands‑on experience needed to drive the country’s energy transition. Photo: Dina Gizatulina 
The updated lab gives students direct access to the same ABB technology used across energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. Photo: Dina Gizatulina 
The lab is now operational, offering students and researchers access to technology required to address tomorrow’s energy challenges. Photo: Dina Gizatulina
"This partnership reflects ABB's ongoing commitment to supporting applied learning environments across Canada," said Ben Venter, Vice-President, Energy Industries, ABB Canada. "By equipping the next generation of engineers with advanced technology and practical experience, we're investing in the future of Canadian innovation and helping to build the skilled workforce Canada’s energy transition requires."
Dr. Anders Nygren, Dean of the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary, emphasized the impact of ABB's contribution:
“This lab provides our students with unparalleled hands-on learning and direct exposure to industry-leading technology, preparing them to succeed in their careers and giving them the confidence to solve real-world engineering challenges.”
A long‑standing commitment to Canadian innovation
ABB Canada has a long history of supporting engineering education and workforce development across the country. Over the past decade, ABB has invested more than $380 million CAD in its Canadian operations, advancing innovation, sustainability, and skills development.
The ABB Undergraduate Power Engineering Lab is now operational, offering students and researchers access to technology required to address tomorrow’s energy challenges.
